Brighton 0 – 2 Ipswich Town: Match report and player ratings

Brighton & Hove Albion 0 – 2 Ipswich TownIpswich moved to within five points of the Championship top six with a win at fellow play-off contenders Brighton. A game with very little chances, in the end separated by the more clinical of the two, Ipswich Town. “Not clinical enough” are three words that seem to be ringing around the ears of Brighton fans of late. Brighton had the better of the chances, be it very little but failed to convert. Ulloa came close with a header in the second half and on another day Jese Lingard could have had one or two. However it wasn’t to be for Brighton. Ipswich’s first goal came through Smith, a corner deep into the box with Brighton failing to clear, followed by some confusion and Smith rose above all to nod Ipswich into the lead with 60 minutes played. The game was then put to bed by Town in the 80th minute, Williams wriggled his way past Buckley into the box playing a cross into the path of Murphy to head home.

Ipswich now face Derby & Nottingham Forest in there next two. With a fantastic win on the South Coast against fellow play-off contenders Brighton, Ipswich’s play-off dream is well and truly alive, for now. As for Brighton they need to take Saturday as “one of those days” moving on as quickly as possible, they travel to Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday night to hopefully resume their play-off chase.

Brighton & Hove Albion

Kuszczak- Perhaps could of done better on stopping Ipswich’s opener.

5.5

Bruno- Match sponsors man of the match. I would agree looked lively going forward, Delivery fantastic. Defensively a little clumsy in picking up a yellow. Could have helped prevent cross for Ipswich’s second.

6.5

Greer- Battled well looked composed on the ball and passed well. Beaten by Murphy for Ipswich’s second.

6.0

Upson- Was mostly on top of the battle against Murphy, always first to the ball

6.0

Ward- Failed to make a mark on the left side, a few crosses but a low key performance from the Irish man.

5.5

Andrews- Certainly not every Brighton fans cup of tea, but he does the defensive role justice, always in for a tackle and composed throughout.

6.0

Forster-Caskey Take nothing away from the youngster he has developed fantastically under Oscar Garcia this season, moved the ball well but like the majority of Brighton players failed to make an impact on the game. Subbed of after the hour.

5.5

Ince- Another youngster who is blossoming under Garcia. Certainly cancelled out Ipswich’s central attack. Battled well.

6.0

Lingard- A good performance from the Manchester United loanee. Was unlucky to not open his Brighton account. Could argue he should have been more clinical, I’m certain it will come for Lingard. Pacey and sharp, caused problems.

6.5

Buckley- After a fantastic brace last weekend Buckley failed to make an impact on the game today.

5.5

Ulloa- Brighton cannot always rely on the Argentinian for goals. He battled well against Smith and Berra coming close on a couple of occasions. Wasn’t to be for Ulloa this weekend.

6.0

Substitutions

Lua Lua- 61’ On with 30 minutes to go, even the Albion’s super sub couldn’t put his mark on the game. Ipswich soaked up the pressure.

6.0

March- 78’ Little time to make an impact

n/a

Rodriguez- 87’ A man who has seen very little game time since arriving in January, would be good to see him given more time on the pitch.

n/a

Ipswich Town

Gerken- Of the little Gerken had to do, he did well. Comfortable routine saves and some good delivery from the Ipswich Goalkeeper.

6.5

Chambers- Rarely beaten today. Solid.

6.5

Cresswell- Continued to impress today, stopping the Brighton attack on his flank throughout the game.

7.0

Smith- Got the opener for Town. Solid at the back, very physical, perhaps a little too much picking up a yellow in the second half. Committed.

7.0

Berra- A strong and solid performance from Berra.

6.5

Wordsworth- Worked his socks off in the middle of the park where both teams cancelled each other out.

6.5

Anderson- Could do with a shave. Apart from that a thoroughly good shift.

6.0

Hyam- Quiet game for Hyam, worked hard off the ball.

6.0

Hunt- Delivery very good, aggressive winger who tracked back well.

6.0

Williams- Fantastic game, great assist. Let down by attitude- constantly moaning at officials and accused after the game of homophobic behavior. If he could focus more on the football, his talent really will shine

7.0

Murphy- Worked his socks off up front, put in a real shift and did well to beat the Brighton defense heading home Ipswich’s 2nd goal.

7.0

Substitutions

Tabb- 74’ Little time to make an impact

6.0

Green- 75’Kept the back four and midfield solid to close out the game.

6.0

Mings- 84’

n/a

Man of the Match

Johnny Williams

7.0

Ref Watch – Darren Drysdale:No major decisions to call from the man in the middle, the decisions he did make were all justified an overall routine performance from officials who did there bit in letting the game flow.Attendance:29,093 (Including 1,700 Ipswich) – the biggest overall attendance at the Amex Stadium this season.